The opening words of Psalm 105 read to me like a letter from an enthusiastic and wise elder:

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered” (verses 1-5 ESV).

This verse stands out particularly to me: “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” What an extraordinary piece of advice! Seek both the Lord and his strength—continually. 

This might sound intimidating or tedious, but it’s also freeing. I’m glad this elder in the faith tells me this is the important way to spend my life; it’s not wasting time. When I sit quietly or walk attentively, listening or talking to God, I’m following God’s will for me.

This call to seek God’s presence reminds me a bit of the sparrows that fly down into the grass in my backyard to hunt tiny flowers and grass seeds painstakingly. Perhaps it’s a time-consuming process, but they seem glad to be doing it. I hear all sorts of chirrups and twittering as they search out what they need. There is no guilt or anxiety or grumpiness in their actions. It’s simply part of their day. They seek and God provides.

May you and I seek God each and every day … continually.